Friday, January 2, 2015

Last year I started learning paper cutting. I had done some 3d paper cutting using puff tape and layering but was not prepared for the intricate cutting of Scherenschnitte and Wycinanki Starting by enlarging and cutting designs really helped get me started. Now nearly a year later what started as curiosity has become a passion. I've cut over 150 patterns and used more than 350 blades. I now can cut almost any pattern and have a level of skill of an advanced paper cutter. As much as I enjoy the challenge I have started looking at other paper arts including Kirigami and paper sculpture. I've started by making a humming bird sculpture and making some kirigami pieces. Here are a couple of the kirigami pieces I've made.

Kirigami castle.

Kirigami church.

Both of these cards were made by printing the templates onto card stock and then cutting them out and then pasting them onto a background card at the center fold. They were both a challenge to make and I learned a little more on making pop-up cards. I am sure that these paper crafts will open up even more possibilities this year.

Thursday, January 1, 2015

January 1st seemed a good time to start blogging again. The last month I have been learning to make IQ Lamp shades. Then are really beautiful. Instead of plastic I used thick parchment paper that I have had leftover from a printing job 20 years ago!

IQ Lamp made with 30 pieces.

Inside view of the IQ lamp.

These can be difficult making the lamp and I would recommend buying the kit. The kits come in a lot of colors, shapes and sizes. The reason I recommend the kits is because the pieces interlock and it is difficult it get them right hand cutting. Another reason is the thickness of the paper you use makes a difference. Here is a link to the IQ lamp shop. http://www.iqlight.com/shop/

If you would still like to do it yourself here is a link to a video on how to make an IQ lamp.